Dr Michaela Dommisse

Director of Oceans, Australia, The Nature Conservancy

Most people don't think about oysters when they think about ocean health. Dr Michaela Dommisse is working to change that. 

As Director of Oceans, Australia at The Nature Conservancy and an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the UWA Oceans Institute, Michaela is helping build the evidence base and the partnerships needed to restore Australia's lost shellfish reefs. 

Once spanning thousands of kilometres of Australian coastline, these reefs are among the most overlooked, and most valuable ecosystems we have. More than just habitat, shellfish reefs are nature's water filters, quietly supporting fisheries, improving water quality, and strengthening the health of our bays and estuaries. 

On the night, Michaela will make the case for why restoring what we've lost isn't just possible, it's one of the most exciting opportunities in ocean conservation today.